Encouraging Words

Introduction

A. ILL. “Death.” We try to preserve life. Some even go so far as to preserve the body for all to see. Few can escape the reality of death. Funerals are real and in a city this size occur several times a day. But the question which comes more often than not is “what is going to happen later? Will I see my loved one again?” In our text the Thessalonians seemed to have a similar question. Even in death, we want some assurance that death is not all there is. As Christians we believe that there will be life after this world. We believe there is a heaven and a hell. We believe that God will judge every person who has ever lived on this earth. By faith we believe the day will come when we will see God face to face.

B. The Thessalonians were faced with a real dilemma. They believed that Jesus was going to come back in their lifetime. Paul had done a good job of teaching them in a short period of time that Jesus was going to come back. They became so convinced that Jesus would return soon that they believed they would be alive when he returned. Then something happened. A loved one died. And then another. Slowly Jesus’s delay looked like there was a problem rather than a solution. What would happen to those who died before Jesus returned? Was their salvation in jeopardy? Was the key to live long and hope that Jesus returned while you lived? Was death the end of one’s walk with Christ? Paul wanted to answer their questions and begins in 4:13 answering their first set of questions—what happens to a loved one who dies before Christ’s return? Notice how Paul ends this section in verse 18—“encourage each other with these words.” Let’s be encouraged today as we study this text together.

Jesus Will Return

A. Paul wants to accomplish two things as he begins this section. First, he doesn’t want them to be ignorant about what will happen to those who die before Jesus returns. Second, he doesn’t want them to be hopeless in their grieving. In verse 14, Paul tells the Thessalonians that because Jesus died and rose again when he returns he will bring with him those who have died with Jesus as their Lord. This doesn’t mean that those who die as Christians are already with Jesus. Notice verse 16, the dead in Christ will rise first. Remember Paul is trying to comfort the Thessalonians because of a very real concern they have about their loved ones who have died. Paul’s point in verse 14 is to say that those who have died in Christ will be with Christ. They will not remain in the grave. When Jesus returns he will come with the intent of gathering together those who have died as well as those who are living. Basically, Paul is saying “don’t worry about your loved ones who die. Jesus hasn’t forgotten them and you will see them again when he returns.”

B. Because Jesus died and rose again, we should not grieve hopelessly. This verse has often been misunderstood. Some have gone so far as to say that a Christian should not grieve at all for one who has died. This is not what Paul is saying. Grief is a very natural part of this life. Whenever we lose something which we value—whether person, job, or possession—we grieve. Such grieving is natural and should not surprise us even as Christians. Paul’s point is that Christians shouldn’t have hopeless grief. What does that mean?

C. Hopeless grief sees this life as the end. Hopeless grief demonstrates the finality of life because there is no belief in Christ’s return. A second century letter written from a lady named Irene to a friend exists. Irene suffered the death of a loved one. Her friend, Philo, also is grieving the death of a loved one. Here in part is the letter. “I am as sorry and weep over the departed one as I wept for Didymas. And all things, whatsoever were fitting, I have done. But nevertheless, against such things one can do nothing. Therefore comfort one another.” There is no comfort in this letter for there is no comfort to give. “Against such things one can do nothing.” This is grief without hope. Grief with hope sees that another day will come in which loved ones can be reunited. Grief filled with hope understands that Jesus will return one day and that death in this life does not have the final word. Paul is not telling the Thessalonians not to cry, weep, or grieve. He is telling them that there is hope. Jesus is going to return and when he returns, we will see our loved ones again.

D. Then Paul gives a brief description of Christ’s return. It is not exhaustive. But it will not be a quiet return. There will be a loud command (used to describe a military battle cry). This coincides with John’s words in 5:25 that the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. Then the voice of the archangel will be heard. Then there will be the trumpet call of God. Trumpets are mentioned in the OT as part of festivity and triumph. Such is the case here. There is no mention in this text about what will happen to those who are not Christians. That is because that is not the topic of discussion. Paul is reassuring the Thessalonians that their loved ones who die before Christ’s return will not be at a disadvantage because of death. Instead they will not only share in Christ’s return but will be the first to share in that return.

So what?

A. First, the word in verse 17 “caught up” used in combination with other texts in Revelation is believed by some to be biblical teaching about the rapture. The word in verse 17 is also found in Genesis 5:24 to describe Enoch’s removal from the earth and by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2 and 4 to refer to his own ascent into the third heaven. The intent of the word is that something outside the individual is forcefully taken up. Without getting too technical, let’s take a quick look at this text. Paul is not trying to describe the end times as much as he is trying to comfort the Thessalonians. Because of that it is unwise to make the text say something it doesn’t. Paul’s brief description does not include every fact about the last days. Furthermore, many who believe in a rapture state that such will take place and those left behind on the earth will not know it. Verse 16 does not allow such a view. With the command of Christ which should be understood as a calling the dead from their graves and the trumpet sound, there will not be anyone on earth who will not be aware of the divine presence. Finally, in 5:3 which we will look at next week, even those who are not Christians will not escape the coming of the Lord. Given that this is all in the same context, then the coming of the Lord in 4:15 is not a different event from 5:2–3. Those who believe in a rapture understand two distinct events. Paul makes no distinction.

B. Second, and most important for us, Jesus will return and when he returns we will be reunited with those who have preceded us in death. While we may be a little further along in our understanding of Christ’s return than the Thessalonians were, we are, nonetheless, wanting to see loved ones. Some of you know what it is like to have death take a loved one away. At some point most of us will experience the loneliness and grief which comes from death. Paul’s words still ring true: “we will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” Forever is a long time. We will see our loved ones again. Death is not the final word. We grieve, but we grieve knowing that those we place in a casket and bury in the ground are not through with living. Their death will result in a resurrection in which they will be with the Lord forever.

C. When death comes to our families, wouldn’t it be great to be able to say to loved ones “good night, I’m going to sleep, but I’ll see you again.” Unfortunately, some cannot say “good night.” Some have to say “goodbye” because their life doesn’t belong to God. The assurance from Paul is that loved ones who belong to Christ will not be at a disadvantage when he returns. If Jesus should return now, would you join with those who had gone before you? Would there be a great reunion with Jesus in the clouds? Invitation.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.